
Anthem
1997

2023
Director
Peter Nicks
Runtime
98 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetSynopsis
What would it sound like if the national anthem was written today? Anthem follows composer Kris Bowers and producer Dahi on a musical road trip across the country to reflect on “The Star-Spangled Banner” to find out.
Overall Score
Good
Category Breakdown
LGBTQ+ Representation
The film explores identity and modern American sounds, offering space for non-traditional perspectives. However, it lacks specific depictions of LGBTQ+ characters or intimacy.
Gender Representation
By centering the creative agency of Kris Bowers, the film elevates diverse creators in a field often dominated by patriarchal hierarchies. This subverts traditional musical authority.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Creators of color lead a national dialogue on foundational American symbols. The musical road trip highlights diverse, non-Anglo-Saxon textures that define modern identity.
Religious & Cultural Diversity
The documentary critiques traditional Western institutions by questioning the inclusivity of a singular anthem. It favors a complex, intersectional understanding of the state over fixed patriotism.
Disability Representation
There is no significant evidence regarding the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film.
Strengths
Areas for Improvement
AI Analysis
Anthem is a sophisticated inquiry into national identity that uses musical composition to deconstruct traditional iconography. By treating the national anthem as a fluid construct rather than a static monument, the film creates a site for ongoing cultural negotiation. The documentary excels in racial and ethnic representation, placing creators of color at the helm of a conversation about American symbolism. This approach moves away from a homogeneous view of history to embrace a multi-vocal, contemporary perspective. While the film is strong in its cultural critique, it lacks specific focus on LGBTQ+ characters or disability representation. It functions more as a sociopolitical and musical exploration than a character-driven study of these specific identities.

1997

2017

2016

2019

2009

2019

2019

2019

2019

2014

2017

2023
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!
Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.